editorNPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94Jackie Northam is Foreign Affairs correspondent for NPR news. The veteran journalist has more than two decades of experience covering the world's hot spots and reporting on a broad tapestry of international and foreign policy issues.Based in Washington, D.C., Northam is assigned to the leading stories of the day, traveling regularly overseas to report the news - from Afghanistan and Pakistan, to earthquake-ravaged Haiti.Northam just completed a five year stint as NPR's National Security Correspondent, covering US defense and intelligence policies. She led the network's coverage of the US military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, traveling regularly to the controversial base to report on conditions there, and on US efforts to prosecute detainees.Northam spent more than a decade as a foreign correspondent. She reported from Beirut during the war between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006, from Iraq after the fall of Saddam Hussein, and from Saudi Arabia during the first Gulf War. She lived inNPR Digital Services RSS Generator 0.94Jackie NorthamThu, 08 Dec 2016 13:45:21 +0000Jackie Northamhttp://kios.org
Jackie NorthamRoyal Dutch Shell has signed a provisional agreement to develop oil and gas fields in Iran, a move that could signal energy companies will not be deterred from doing business with the Islamic Republic despite uncertainty whether a Trump administration will scrap a nuclear deal agreed to by world powers.A spokesman for Shell said a memorandum of agreement was signed Wednesday with the National Iranian Oil Co. "to further explore areas of potential cooperation." The agreement is nonbinding and involves the development of Iran's oil fields in South Azadegan and Yadavaran and the Kish gas field, according to Reuters. The South Azadegan and Yadavaran fields straddle the border with Iraq.Royal Dutch Shell is based in the Netherlands but has operations in the U.S. It is the largest energy company to venture back into Iran since sanctions were lifted after a nuclear deal was implemented in January. It's a move that could signal the controversial deal will remain intact despite threats toEnergy Giant Shell Inks Oil Deal With Iran http://kios.org/post/energy-giant-shell-inks-oil-deal-iran
87143 as http://kios.orgWed, 07 Dec 2016 22:28:00 +0000Energy Giant Shell Inks Oil Deal With Iran Jackie NorthamPresident-elect Donald Trump spoke by phone with Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in one of the many routine, get-acquainted chats he'll have before entering the White House.These talks rarely if ever make news, but Wednesday's conversation raised eyebrows because Trump lavished praise on Sharif and Pakistan despite years of tension between the two countries.Here's part of the read-out of their conversation, as released by Pakistan's Press Information Department:"President Trump said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif you have a very good reputation. You are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way. I am looking forward to see you soon. As I am talking to you Prime Minister, I feel I am talking to a person I have known for long. Your country is amazing with tremendous opportunities. Pakistanis are one of the most intelligent people. I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems.Trump Gushes About Pakistan In Call With Its Prime Ministerhttp://kios.org/post/trump-gushes-about-pakistan-call-its-prime-minister
86946 as http://kios.orgThu, 01 Dec 2016 22:20:00 +0000Trump Gushes About Pakistan In Call With Its Prime MinisterJackie NorthamThe Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C., is a stately old building with turrets, arches and a clock tower soaring 300 feet into the air. Inside, the lobby is equally impressive with massive chandeliers, a grand staircase and a glass ceiling 10 floors up.The 263-room hotel is without doubt luxurious. But it could also represent a massive conflict of interest for President-elect Donald Trump once he takes office.In 2013, Trump signed a 60-year lease for the building, once the headquarters of the U.S. Post Office, and began a $200 million renovation to turn it into an upscale hotel with the help of loans from Deutsche Bank, a large German bank.Trump's financial disclosure reports, viewed by NPR, show he currently owes Deutsche Bank roughly $365 million in loans for the Washington hotel, another one in Chicago and a Florida golf course.Deutsche Bank is one of the large global banks investing in and betting on real estate around the world. So it makes some sense it would beTrump's Loans From Troubled German Bank Pose Conflict Of Interesthttp://kios.org/post/trumps-loans-troubled-german-bank-pose-conflict-interest
86914 as http://kios.orgThu, 01 Dec 2016 10:09:00 +0000Trump's Loans From Troubled German Bank Pose Conflict Of InterestJackie NorthamAfter Donald Trump is sworn in as president on Jan. 20, he will follow a time-honored tradition and make his way from the U.S. Capitol down Pennsylvania Avenue.Along the way, just a few blocks before he reaches the White House, he'll pass the Trump International Hotel. The 263-room luxury hotel is becoming the focus of a debate over conflict of interest between Trump and his business dealings.Trump doesn't actually own the landmark building, which was once the headquarters of the U.S. Post Office. In 2013, he signed a 60-year lease for the building with the General Services Administration, which helps manage and support federal agencies. The Trump Organization spent upwards of $200 million on renovations and reopened it as a hotel about a month before the Nov. 8 presidential election.But there's a hitch, according to Steven Schooner, a government procurement expert who is also a law professor at the George Washington University School of Law. Schooner has studied the 100-plus-pageLaw Professor: Trump Can't Hold Lease On His Hotel Near White Househttp://kios.org/post/law-professor-trump-cant-hold-lease-his-hotel-near-white-house
86842 as http://kios.orgTue, 29 Nov 2016 19:37:00 +0000Law Professor: Trump Can't Hold Lease On His Hotel Near White HouseJackie NorthamOne of China's wealthiest men has been on a buying spree in Hollywood, snapping up cinemas and movie production companies. Now Wang Jianlin, the chairman of the Beijing-based Dalian Wanda Group has acquired another piece of Americana: Dick Clark Productions.The deal announced Friday gives Wang's company, the Dalian Wanda Group, the rights to star-studded events such as the Golden Globes awards, the American Music Awards, the Miss America pageant, and New Years Rockin Eve in Times Square. Dick Clark Productions has been around since the 1950s when American Bandstand was broadcast on black and white television sets across the country.It's just the latest big-ticket acquisition for the Chinese mogul. Wanda has bought AMC theatres, the country's 2nd largest cinema chain, for $2.6 billion. It scooped up Legendary Entertainment, one of the biggest movie production companies in Hollywood, for $3.5 billion. Wanda has announced plans to buy Carmike Cinemas for just over $1 billion. If that lastChinese Mogul Buys Dick Clark Productions, His Latest U.S. Purchase http://kios.org/post/chinese-mogul-buys-dick-clark-productions-his-latest-us-purchase
85939 as http://kios.orgFri, 04 Nov 2016 13:46:00 +0000Chinese Mogul Buys Dick Clark Productions, His Latest U.S. Purchase Jackie NorthamCall it a win for the Walloons.The Belgian government says it has broken a deadlock over a major trade agreement between the European Union and Canada, known as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. The deal had been held up in the final days by Wallonia, a tiny French-speaking enclave in the small country of Belgium.The roughly 3.5 million Walloons account for less than 1 percent of the entire population of the European Union, which has more than 500 million residents. While their numbers may be small, the Walloons' vote packs a wallop. They voted against the trade deal, which was seven years in the making, holding out for more favorable conditions.The agreement was to be signed at an elaborate ceremony Thursday in Brussels. But it was postponed while Belgian and other European negotiators went back to the table to work on Wallonia's demands.The Walloons were concerned that the trade pact could reduce health and environmental standards and give too much power toThe Walloons Pack A Wallop As Canada, Europe Agree To Tweak A Trade Dealhttp://kios.org/post/walloons-pack-wallop-canada-europe-agree-tweak-trade-deal
85649 as http://kios.orgThu, 27 Oct 2016 17:55:00 +0000The Walloons Pack A Wallop As Canada, Europe Agree To Tweak A Trade DealJackie NorthamThe Walloons still aren't budging.Thursday is supposed to be signing day in Brussels for a major free trade agreement between Canada and the European Union, an agreement seven years in the making, which involves 29 countries with a combined population of more than 500 million.The media was lined up. Special pens were set aside. VIPs were making travel plans, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and many European leaders.But the Walloons are still saying, "No deal."Don't worry, many others have also had to ask: Who are the Walloons? And how have they managed in the final moments to upend the trade pact known as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, or CETA?The Walloons come from Wallonia, a tiny, French-speaking enclave in the south of Belgium. There are roughly 3.5 million people in Wallonia, less than 1 percent of the whole European Union, but given the complex nature of the EU's decision-making process, Wallonia's vote counts when it comes to CETA. And it voted29 Countries Want A Trade Deal — And Wallonia Is Still Blocking It http://kios.org/post/29-countries-want-trade-deal-and-wallonia-still-blocking-it
85606 as http://kios.orgWed, 26 Oct 2016 19:43:00 +000029 Countries Want A Trade Deal — And Wallonia Is Still Blocking It Jackie NorthamWhen foreign leaders loot their homelands, they sometimes like to stash their valuables in the U.S. Yachts, mansions and artwork have all been purchased in America with laundered money, according the the U.S. Justice Department.It happens often enough that the department has set up a special unit dedicated to tracking down international kleptocrats.Some foreign rulers should get points just for pure audacity: Sani Abacha, Nigeria's authoritarian ruler from 1993 until his death in 1998, viewed his country's coffers as his own private ATM, says Stuart Gilman, who helped track down stolen assets for the United Nations and the World Bank."He would literally take suitcases full of money from the national bank and bring it to London and Switzerland and other places," Gilman says.The Justice Department sought to recover $625 million from Abacha, and seized $458 million. Abacha's family is appealing the case.Then there's Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, the vice president of Equatorial Guinea andWhen Kleptocrats Bring Money Into The U.S., There's Now A Plan To Seize It http://kios.org/post/when-kleptocrats-bring-money-us-theres-now-plan-seize-it
85103 as http://kios.orgThu, 13 Oct 2016 08:44:00 +0000When Kleptocrats Bring Money Into The U.S., There's Now A Plan To Seize It Jackie NorthamThe U.S. and the Philippines are long-standing allies, but you would never know it from the way President Rodrigo Duterte is talking these days.Since his election in June, Duterte has been unleashing anti-American rhetoric, which has included demands that the U.S. withdraw special operations forces helping to fight Islamists in the southern Philippines. He has also threatened to cancel joint naval patrols and warns this will be the last year the two countries will hold joint military exercises, saying they haven't benefited the Philippines."Instead of helping us, the first to criticize is this State Department, so you can go to hell, Mr. Obama, you can go to hell," Duterte said Tuesday.And in separate remarks the same day, Duterte made a separate threat: "Eventually I might, in my time, I will break up with America." Then he added: "I would rather go to Russia and to China."This was not the first time but only the most recent time that he has publicly insulted the U.S. president."WeHe Did It Again: Philippine President Keeps Insulting The U.S. (And Obama)http://kios.org/post/he-did-it-again-philippine-president-keeps-insulting-us-and-obama
84858 as http://kios.orgWed, 05 Oct 2016 18:48:00 +0000He Did It Again: Philippine President Keeps Insulting The U.S. (And Obama)Jackie NorthamSaudi Arabia is such an influential player in the oil industry that any action it takes — or is rumored to take — can sway global markets. So it's not surprising there's a lot of speculation about whether its massive state oil company, Saudi Aramco, is trying to buy a refinery in Texas.The oil refinery, owned by the Dutch company LyondellBasell, sits along the Gulf of Mexico coast near the port of Houston. It's for sale, and analysts believe Saudi Arabia is eyeing it. That's creating a lot of chatter among global oil analysts, foreign policy experts, and Saudi watchers who are trying to decipher why the kingdom is interested.This is not the kind of thing the Saudis would have done in the past, especially when oil markets were flush. But such a move today would be in line with efforts by King Salman, who assumed the throne last year, and his son Mohammed bin Salman, the deputy crown prince, to modernize and diversify the kingdom's economy to make it less dependent on simply exportingAs Saudi Arabia Diversifies, A Texas Oil Refinery May Be In Its Futurehttp://kios.org/post/saudi-arabia-diversifies-texas-oil-refinery-may-be-its-future
84353 as http://kios.orgTue, 20 Sep 2016 20:00:00 +0000As Saudi Arabia Diversifies, A Texas Oil Refinery May Be In Its FutureJackie NorthamDozens of massive container ships are stranded at sea, looking for a place to dock after one of the world's largest shipping companies went bankrupt. Lars Jensen, the CEO of Sea Intelligence Consulting, which focuses on container shipping, says the container ships are operated by the South Korean-owned Hanjin Shipping company."It is some 85 to 90 vessels, and they really are scattered all over the world," he says.Jensen says the ships anchored in or circling the high seas represent about half of Hanjin's fleet. The company was the seventh-largest shipping line in the world until it declared bankruptcy Aug. 31, leaving an enormous amount of cargo stranded at sea."In terms of how much cargo is impacted, the only solid number we've heard came from the Korean ministry that said we're talking about 500,000 containers," Jensen says. He believes the actual amount of cargo is higher than that.That's because other shipping companies have likely put some of their containers on the Hanjin vesselsContainer Ships Stranded At Sea After South Korean Company Goes Bankrupthttp://kios.org/post/container-ships-stranded-sea-after-south-korean-company-goes-bankrupt
83916 as http://kios.orgThu, 08 Sep 2016 21:31:00 +0000Container Ships Stranded At Sea After South Korean Company Goes BankruptJackie NorthamJust over a month ago, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague issued two important rulings. One soundly rejected Beijing's extensive claim of sovereignty in the South China Sea. The other focused on whether China had caused environmental damage as it constructed artificial islands in the region to help prop up its claim.The South China Sea's disputed waters are claimed by seven countries, and the Hague rulings came in response to a case brought against China by the Philippines. China dismissed the Hague's decision as "nothing but a scrap of paper."But Kent Carpenter, a professor of biological science at Old Dominion University and an expert witness for the tribunal, says the Hague tribunal's findings were nothing short of damning."The tribunal clearly decided that China had caused severe harm to the coral reef environment," he says. China also violated its obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea "to preserve and protect fragile eco-systems," heOne Result Of China's Buildup In South China Sea: Environmental Havochttp://kios.org/post/one-result-chinas-buildup-south-china-sea-environmental-havoc
83653 as http://kios.orgThu, 01 Sep 2016 13:11:00 +0000One Result Of China's Buildup In South China Sea: Environmental HavocJackie NorthamJustin Trudeau has had a number of careers: schoolteacher, snowboard instructor, and since last year, prime minister of Canada. Now he's an action hero. A new issue of Civil War II from Marvel Comics, being released Aug. 31, has Trudeau facing evil-doers in the halls of Canada's Parliament — and in the boxing ring.The front cover shows Trudeau sitting in the corner of a boxing ring, elbows resting on the ropes. He's wearing boxing shorts, a tank top emblazoned with a large maple leaf and a smile that's a bit difficult to read."I was going for a little bit of, I guess, a little bit of attitude, a little bit of smugness, like you don't know if he's already been boxing for a little bit and he's going back in, or he's just starting out and gearing himself up," says Ramon Perez, the cartoonist behind the depictions of Trudeau.The Toronto-based Perez says his original drafts showed Trudeau bare-chested, but Marvel thought this might be a little too risque."And then about two weeks or threeCan A Canadian Prime Minister Be An Action Hero? Marvel Comics Thinks So http://kios.org/post/can-canadian-prime-minister-be-action-hero-marvel-comics-thinks-so
83597 as http://kios.orgWed, 31 Aug 2016 09:10:00 +0000Can A Canadian Prime Minister Be An Action Hero? Marvel Comics Thinks So Jackie NorthamThe massive container ships that ply the high seas bring us pineapples and mangoes in winter, and computers and cheap t-shirts all year round. But the shipping industry is a volatile, cyclical and ferociously competitive business. There are good years and bad years.And then there's this year."This is likely to be one of the worst years ever in terms of losses," says Janet Porter, editor-in-chief of containers at Lloyd's List, a shipping industry news provider. She says over the years, global shipping companies got used to growth of 6, 7 or 8 percent. This year it'll be close to zero."It is a very simple supply-and-demand imbalance — too many ships and not enough cargo," she says.Container ships are vital cogs in the global economy. Jonathan Roach, a container market analyst at Braemar ACM shipbroking in London, says slowing economies in Europe and China are hitting the industry hard."China is a big factor in the container industry — where China is really the factory of the world andAmid Industry Downturn, Global Shipping Sees Record-Low Growthhttp://kios.org/post/amid-industry-downturn-global-shipping-sees-record-low-growth
83170 as http://kios.orgSat, 20 Aug 2016 12:41:00 +0000Amid Industry Downturn, Global Shipping Sees Record-Low GrowthJackie NorthamCopyright 2016 NPR. To see more, visit http://www.npr.org/.Casting Doubt On U.S. Commitment To Mutual Defense, Donald Trump Unsettles NATO Allieshttp://kios.org/post/casting-doubt-us-commitment-mutual-defense-donald-trump-unsettles-nato-allies
81989 as http://kios.orgSat, 23 Jul 2016 13:13:00 +0000Casting Doubt On U.S. Commitment To Mutual Defense, Donald Trump Unsettles NATO AlliesJackie NorthamIt's vacation season. Your suitcase is packed and you've got your tickets in hand. And if you're heading overseas, you may want to check to see if the State Department has issued a travel alert or warning for your destination. Hardly a week goes by that some warning isn't issued, about everything from natural disasters to terrorist threats. These warnings can have a sharp impact on travelers — and diplomatic relations.If you go to the State Department's website, you can find all sorts of travel information for more than 180 countries. That includes security risks. A travel alert will be issued for a country or a region if there's a short-term security threat, such as protests over an upcoming election or civil unrest — or even the threat of dangerous natural events such as hurricanes or typhoons.Mark Meader, with the American Society of Travel Agents, says a more serious, longer-term situation could warrant a travel warning."That might include unstable government or civil war, intenseU.S. Often Issues Travel Warnings, But Lately The Tables Are Turnedhttp://kios.org/post/us-often-issues-travel-warnings-lately-tables-are-turned
81582 as http://kios.orgThu, 14 Jul 2016 18:03:00 +0000U.S. Often Issues Travel Warnings, But Lately The Tables Are TurnedJackie NorthamOn Tuesday, an international tribunal soundly rejected Beijing's extensive claims in the South China Sea, an area where China has been building islands and increasing its military activity.The case before the international tribunal in the Hague was brought by the Philippines, challenging what's widely seen as a territorial grab by Beijing. The tribunal essentially agreed. Beijing immediately said the decision was null and void and that it would ignore it. There are concerns now that the tribunal's decision could inflame tensions between the U.S. and China.Daniel Russel, the State Department's senior diplomat for East Asia, says he wasn't surprised by China's response to the tribunal's decision."Certainly, they're going to need time to regroup from what was a — let's be frank — a setback," he says. "The ruling was quite definitive in its rejection of China's arguments."The big question now is what action, if any, Beijing will take in the wake of the tribunal's decision. Russel says theWill Hague Tribunal's South China Sea Ruling Inflame U.S.-China Tensions?http://kios.org/post/will-hague-tribunals-south-china-sea-ruling-inflame-us-china-tensions
81511 as http://kios.orgWed, 13 Jul 2016 09:07:00 +0000Will Hague Tribunal's South China Sea Ruling Inflame U.S.-China Tensions?Jackie NorthamThe U.S. is imposing a new round of sanctions on North Korea — this time for human rights abuses. The sanctions target senior officials, including leader Kim Jong Un, and are part of an ongoing effort by the U.S. to isolate the government. This is the first time that Kim has been directly targeted with sanctions.The Obama administration says human rights abuses in North Korea are among the worst in the world."Under Kim Jong Un, North Korea continues to inflict intolerable cruelty and hardship on millions of its own people, including extrajudicial killings, forced labor, and torture," said Adam J. Szubin, acting undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence.The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control, in charge of designating sanctions, named Kim for "having engaged in, facilitated, or been responsible for an abuse or violation of human rights by the Government of North Korea or the Workers' Party of Korea."Five entities and 10 other individuals are also namedU.S. Imposes New Human Rights Sanctions On North Koreahttp://kios.org/post/us-imposes-new-human-rights-sanctions-north-korea
81251 as http://kios.orgWed, 06 Jul 2016 19:11:00 +0000U.S. Imposes New Human Rights Sanctions On North KoreaJackie NorthamThere are still skeptics and lots of potential problems, but a tentative airplane deal between Boeing and Iran seems to be moving forward.A provisional agreement has been signed for the sale or lease of more than 100 Boeing aircraft to Iran's national carrier over the next decade. The price tag is $20 billion.If it goes through — and there are still unresolved questions — the deal could bring a windfall to Boeing, badly needed commercial jets to Iran Air, and encourage international companies still wary of doing business with the Islamic Republic.The Chicago-based air manufacturer is the first major U.S. company to engage with Iran since international sanctions were lifted earlier this year in exchange for limits on Iran's nuclear program.But the U.S. keeps other sanctions in place over human rights issues and terrorism. Many U.S. and foreign banks are skittish about violating those remaining U.S. sanctions.Elizabeth Rosenberg, who worked on Iran sanctions for several years at the U.S.More Than Airplanes Are Riding On Boeing's Deal With Iranhttp://kios.org/post/theres-lot-riding-boeings-deal-iran-besides-airplanes
81057 as http://kios.orgFri, 01 Jul 2016 09:01:00 +0000More Than Airplanes Are Riding On Boeing's Deal With IranJackie NorthamFrom the moment it became clear Britain would be leaving the European Union, the Obama administration has been effusive in emphasizing the bond between the two nations. Secretary of State John Kerry reiterated in London on Monday that the U.S. "could not ask for a better friend and ally" than the U.K.The long-lasting partnership has meant the White House more often than not relies on Britain to help garner broader European buy-in when it comes to major security, trade or foreign policy issues, such as Russia's actions in Ukraine.But the Brexit decision drives home the cold, hard fact that the U.K. will likely not have that kind of clout with the EU again — and the U.S. now needs to rethink its relations with European nations.The upheaval comes at a critical juncture for U.S. and Europe. The White House is trying to hammer out a multibillion-dollar trade deal, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, with the EU, the largest single market in the world.The White House lookedWhat Does Brexit Mean For The U.S. - U.K. 'Special' Relationship?http://kios.org/post/what-does-brexit-mean-us-uk-special-relationship
80889 as http://kios.orgMon, 27 Jun 2016 21:17:00 +0000What Does Brexit Mean For The U.S. - U.K. 'Special' Relationship?